December 11, 2018

We all know how quickly those Christmas gifts add up! But the holidays don't have to burn a hole in your pocket. No matter what your price range is, Make Smith has got something for you. We've broken down some of our favorite items by price to make your shopping experience as easy as possible. Take a peak!

November 29, 2018

You only get one shot at a first impression! Make yours the best it can beby adding our Single Pocked Card Sleevesto your life. Say so long to those annoying bent corners and hello to new crisp and cleanedges. Handmade with the finest leather, it is a simpleyeteffective way to show off not onlyyour professionalism, but your style. Buy one now >>>$42

Development:

Our inspiration behind the single pocket card sleeve came from mere supply and demand. We received many requests for the most minimal accessory that could still get the job done. With this in mind, our goal was to simply make the pocket sleeve tall enough to protect the corners of a business card but small enough that it could still fit in the front pocket.

Features:

Our card sleeve is a single pocket capable of holding the width of eight credit cards. Made with water resistant leather and high strength nylon thread, we guarantee your card sleeve will be sturdy and long lasting.

Examples. business cards, credit cards, wallet, etc.

November 22, 2018

The possibility of the airport loosing our luggage, or even worse, someone else accidentally taking it is a fear we all know to well. Worry no more! Keep your luggage and information safe with our stylish, handmade leather DeluxeLuggage Tags.With a hidden, business card-sized pouch, these are the tags every traveling professional needs.Personal embossing available.Buy one now >>> $72

Development:

Our idea of the perfect luggage tag is a mixture of style and security. It was our goal to make a tag that could hide your identify but have a chic look. We made the panel just big enough for custom embossing so you have the choice of what gets seen on the outside.

Features:

A small business card sized pouch is secured by leather privacy flap and a solid brass buckle.

November 13, 2018

We all know that frustrating moment when you can't remember that brilliant idea you had earlier in the day. Rid yourself of this dilemma with the Field Notes Case! Make your wallet your notebook and keep it in your back pocket. Problem solved!. Buy one now >>>$110

Development:

Productivity and inspiration doesn't end in the office. Designed with utility in mind, we wanted to make something small enough to be convenient but big enough to carry the essentials. Made for anyone from the artists needing a portable sketchbook, the architect using field notes on the job site, or for the professional who needs to have their credit cards, business cards, and agenda all in one place.

Features:

It's equipped with 4 card holders, a secret pouch in the back, and a pen holder. Included is a field notes booklet. Also it's perfectly sized to be used as a passport case.

November 01, 2018

Intro: There is nothing more infuriating than being a craftsman in a rush with no time to pack up your essentials. So say goodbye to messy craft tools and your most prized pens or paint brushes at the bottom of a bag, and say hello to the Utility Roll-Up Pouch. Build your ideal “on-the-go travel” kit and put an end to organizational caused headaches for good.Buy one now >>>$110

Development:

We don’t need to tell you that there is a long standing relationship between the nomadically inclined crafter and his tools. Designed with organization in mind, we crafted this all purpose pouch for those who choose to the use the world as their workspace. Whether mechanic or artist, this is a pouch with as many diverse uses as your interests. It’s your sidekick that can fit just about anywhere, so your studio is ready to go when you are.

Features:

Its equipped with 4 horizontal mount tools access loops and a extra wide pouch, Perfect for multiple pairs of scissors, a dozen or so pens, and lots of room for tools.

October 31, 2018

Still looking for that perfect gift? We understand... Some people are terribly hard to shop for, but we love them all the same. Give them the gift of unlimited options, to pick and choose as they please, with a Make Smith gift certificate. We ditched the plastic and created the gift certificate to be a work of art on its own--sleek and smooth, . Meticulously crafted and cut from the highest quality USA cattle hides and hand-gilded with a gold leaf letterpress machine. Rest easy...you've found the perfect solution.

*When guests come in to spend these bills, they can exchange it for the value of the printed note for any in-stock item. We them recycle the leather bill back into circulation.

October 17, 2018

We had the pleasure of hosting Sonia from "Just a little Review" and showing here around our shop. Take a look at the video interview we did with her, part one, and part two is the product review of some of our top sellers.

"Steven, the maker. “This is not a portfolio, this is my life.” I spent yesterday interviewing Steven of Make Smith Leather in Santa Barbara. He’s three generations deep leather making; you could say it’s in his blood. As good as his story is, a very small, furry one nearly stole the show. It’s worth a trip to the store – you’ll see designs that aren’t released on the website, meet Steven in person and, if you’re lucky, rub the belly of their official mascot – Harry! Here’s a teaser of my time at Make Smith, starring none other than Harry himself. Stay tuned for my full interview with Steven and get to know the Make Smith story!

More of her videos can be seen at http://www.justalittlereview.com/

October 11, 2018

Check out our short film shot by Datsu Films. A fun, in-depth look into our process, and the amount of time and dedication it took into making this bag a reality. Tough at times to balance originality and keeping our customers happy, was the main challenge, but we think we nailed it.

Introduction:

We finally “buckled” down and designed a messenger bag to rival all messenger bags. Combining our key components—Durability, Minimalism, and Style—we created a hybrid case that could accommodate any lifestyle. Easily transition from biking down the main drag to business meetings in the office, with the new Laptop Messenger Bag.

Development:

Designing the Laptop Messenger Bag took time, and not just a few months, a few years! After long hours and countless ideas, we finally landed on a style and design that we not only loved, but which we knew our customers had been asking for. A hybrid of something minimal in weight and size, but with a certain amount of refinement—to take it off the road and into the office. Using malleable leather that is soft to the touch and as durable as they come, this leather piece only stands to get better as the years go by. This is a look into the future of Make Smith as a brand in the modern era with an age old craft.

October 02, 2018

In October of 2017, we opened our first retail store at our new home in the Presidio Neighborhood, the heart of Santa Barbara. To celebrate, we’ll be honoring two of our classic products with this giveaway.

We will be giving away one of our Classic Leather Tote Bag and a Classic handmade Leather Belt!

To enter:

1. Like the instagrams of Facebook post!

2. Repost the photo of your desired choice and tell us why you like the product.

3. Then, If you want the tote, add #makesmithclassictote. If you want the belt, add #makesmithclassicbelt.

4.The two lucky winners, inside the USA only, will be chosen at random, announced and tagged on Monday, Oct. 8th at 7pm PST.

Winner Selection Method:

The participants enter by following our stated rules via Instagram or Facebook. Any deviation from the rules may disqualify you from entering.

We number all participants by the order they entered.

Then, we will use googles random number generator to choose the winner.

August 30, 2018

The First Thursday in September swing by the Make Smith Workshop to listen and learn from local crafts people of varying disciplines who have pursued their passions. It’s the CraftTALKseries, and sit alongside a wonderful group of Makers, and artisans. Please join us for a night of classic show-and-tell and hands on learning from our featured guest Jason Brad Cooper.

Brad Cooper began working leather at age 12 and started his apprenticeship in saddlery with Wendy Allen during his sophomore year in high school. After learning the cutting saddle trade Cooper began making saddles for other disciplines including roping, reining and barrel racing. Cooper is credited with having built over 600 saddles and has recently set up his shop in the Santa Ynez Valley (900 McMurray Rd. Unit 1 Buelton, CA 93427).

June 29, 2018

There's no doubt, in my mind, that Rancourt & Co. is one of those heritage brands that stands out from the pack. These days when it seems that American Made goods are more popular than ever, Rancourt has a foothold in the handmade industry. I always come back to this amazing brand when people ask me what I have been looking for inspiration. And yes, we don't make shoes. Make Smith makes carry goods, but that doesn't mean that we don't look for inspiration from other makers. And in this case, this small Company out of Maine, has been a favorite of mine for many years. Below is my favorite pair of handmade moccasin loafers. Out of their "Ready Made Collection," its the "1967 4-Eye Blucher" and here's the link. They are constructed of Heavyweight steerhide Chromepak from Horween, and weigh in at $285.

June 14, 2018

Info: If you haven’t yet heard, MAKE SMITH is launching a show-and-tell series, set to occur every First Thursday, which features local MAKERS, artisans, craft-driven folk and students alike. Our intention is to given these like minded individuals a platform to show off their hard word and accomplishments, while encouraging others to do the same. We hope to bring light to the truly inspiring nature of these creative individuals who were bold enough to take their passions to the next level, and encourage others to do the same.

15 min talk based on photos, 15min show-and-tell of goods, 15min Question & Answer with audience, followed by a 30min casual refreshment mixer.

Thursday, July 5th @7pm

Please Join us at our first ever CraftTALK featuring George Pipires (Bar Manager at Finch & Fork). He will be warming up our leather workshop with a series of handmade cocktails, from a welcoming reshment to an interactive cocktail demo you can make at home. Our audience will be asked to participate; pour, stir, shake and sip. More surprises to come on Thursday, July 5th. Lite oredouves will be served and prepared by Executive Chef Peter Cham.

May 30, 2018

If you can't make it into the shop, but still want to order a custom belt, here is how we would like to get your fit right. We take time making your belt and size it down to the inch to ensure accurate measurement and perfect fit.

It is a common misconception that your pant size is the same as your belt size. In fact, our belt size is usually 2-4 inches larger than your pant size. It varies depending on clothing brand, how tight someone wears their belt, and how thick the fabric of your pants are. Here are some quick and easy ways to get your accurate belt measurement to get your perfect belt fit.

To make sure we craft your perfect belt, the most important thing to do is get the right waist measurement. There are two ways to do this. First, if you have a belt that fits right already, lie the belt down on a flat, clean surface. Straighten the belt out so it lies flat. Now with a tape measure and calculate the length from the middle point of the metal buckle to the belt notch that fits you best. That distance is your belt size in inches. Second, if you don't have a belt that fits right, take a string and wrap it around your waist pinching it at the point where the loose end wraps around your waist and meets back at the long end of the string. Use a tape measure to calculate this length in inches, that is your belt size.

We size using a measured out leather belt to get exact belt size measuring. Although it is oftentimes 2-4 sizes bigger than your pants, we measure to make sure we have it exactly right.

Pick the color of the strap you would like. We stock nine colors to make certain we have what you are looking for.

Pick the width of the belt you would like. We recommend a 1.25” for dress belts and a 1.5” for an everyday or workwear belt.

Pick your hardware style and color. We carry 3 styles of buckles in four different hardware colors.

Would you like stitching? We recommend this for our dress belts.

Finally, we can emboss your initials to give your new belt an even more personalized touch

May 25, 2018

The stakes are high, with Father’s Day right around the corner. Buying the perfect gift for the man who (seemingly) has everything, is no easy task. We’ve all heard him say he doesn’t NEED anything, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t WANT something. With some inspiration taken from the dads in our lives, we’ve curated a pretty perfect list of items dad won’t help but drool over this Father’s Day:

May 15, 2018

We’re feeling very excited this morning to find out our neighborhood and leather shop (@presidio_neighborhood) is featured in the newest Sunset Magazine Issue. Grab a copy and check out our little mention in “Things to Do in Santa Barbara Now.” Please take a look at this awesome guide to all the fun stuff to see and do this summer in Santa Barbara, CA.

April 02, 2018

For the past five years we’ve run a strong campaign with the nonprofit lending program kiva.org to expand our hands on workshop classes, which constantly need more project offerings and to reach a bigger audience. Well, in 2018, we are at it again! And this year, we have some big news! I am very proud to announce that our loan has been endorsed by Springboard for the Arts. They're a Nonprofit located in Saint Paul, MN. With their partnership and leadership, guidance and support we hope to create a stronger campaign for our Kiva loan. Springboard for the Arts' mission is to cultivate a vibrant community by connecting artists with the skills, information and services they need to make a living and a life.

March 23, 2018

We are excited to announce our most streamlined bag to date, with a bit more flare and a lot more designed convenience. We are now sewing in outside pockets but keeping the same trusty size as our popular Large Tote bag, and leather straps to handle anything life throws at you.

We all know you fell in love with our Large Shopping Tote years ago, with its simple yet stylish design, perfectly sized to fit just about everything. The new Deluxe Tote, comes with the same fine leather and lifetime guarantee, but with a few upgrades that are exactly what you've been missing. Now with a zipper closure and two outer pockets, the Deluxe Tote becomes not just the everyday bag, but the everywhere bag! While it is still ready for the farmers market, beach days, and picnics, now it’s ready for overnight trips and the office, too!

March 16, 2018

It's the traveler's guide to efficiency and style, the only item you'll need from that early morning arrival to late-night departure, the Passport Wallet will never leave your side.

Development:

Find yourself with too many things to carry while trying to catch a flight? You aren't alone. It had to fit all the essentials: passport, cash, credit cards, maybe a boarding pass or two? We crafted something slim and secure, that could fit everything you need safely in your front pocket while running out the door. Acts like a wallet, looks and feels like a passport holder. Ditch the fanny pack and put the Passport Wallet in your pocket.

Features:

With three convenient credit card holders, a cash sleeve, and attached snap enclosure--there is finally a passport case that keeps all your travel must-haves tucked away right in your pocket.

February 22, 2018

The suns out in Santa Barbara, and we are hosting a variety of classes in which students will make their own handcrafted leather goods fitting of the season. Working with special guest crafters, we have a whole new line up of workshop sure to inspire the inner crafts(wo)man in you.

Our curriculum emphasizes DOING to learn, MAKING to be creative, and EMBRACING mistakes to gain experience. We empower our students to craft with their hands, become self sufficient and build confidence.